Wijdan Abu Matar, 43, was forced to leave Gaza in November 2023 with her eight children for medical treatment, while her injured husband, Hatem, remained behind. Wijdan and her family were living in the Nuseirat refugee camp when the Gaza war began with the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Ten days later, on 17 October that year, an Israeli strike hit the al-Muhandseen tower, near their home, injuring Wijdan and every member of her family.
I just started screaming the names of my sons and daughters.” Her daughter Nour, 15, suffered the most serious injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain. Five-year-old Amna suffered severe burns to her chest. The family was initially separated after the strike.
Nour spent about 33 days in intensive care, with Wijdan by her side. Amna and Aysel, three and a half, were at a different hospital for 15 days. On 30 November 2023, Wijdan travelled with Nour to a hospital in Egypt for treatment.
For months, the family remained scattered across Egypt, receiving medical treatment and staying with other relatives. Three years on, however, she is still separated from her husband, who remains in Gaza. Even speaking to him is difficult because of Gaza’s unreliable internet connection.
He tells me, ‘I am counting the days until I can see you again.’ I can see the tears in his eyes,” Wijdan says. Wijdan has no regular source of income and relies on donations. Hatem stopped receiving a salary 10 months ago and his injury prevents him from working.
In Egypt, life is difficult for Wijdan and her family. She says she cannot afford transportation to send five of her children to school. She sometimes considers returning to Gaza to be with Hatem, but fears exposing her children to further suffering.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
